Moving to Turkey: How Much Does It Cost and How to Move

In recent years, Turkey has become one of the most popular migration destinations for people from all over the world. There are several reasons for this: a mild climate, access to quality healthcare and education, well-developed infrastructure, and a strong service sector. But the main argument in its favor is the relatively low cost of enjoying all these benefits. How much does it cost to live in Turkey? What legal specifics should foreigners know about? Which professions are in the highest demand? We will answer these and other popular questions in this article. As an example, we will look at one of the cities most popular among migrants — Istanbul.

How to Move to Turkey at the Lowest Possible Cost

Turkey is, in many respects, a fairly open country, and for most potential migrants, moving here and finding a job does not pose any particular difficulty. The main reasons for long-term residence include studying, employment, investment, business, family reunification, and even certain medical circumstances. The country also offers residence permits based on investment, including investment in real estate. We covered this topic in more detail in another article.

The basis for obtaining a residence permit under this program is the cadastral value of the property being purchased, which must be at least $200,000. One of the simplest routes is employment with a Turkish employer. The law allows a candidate to apply for a work permit through a Turkish consulate or embassy even while outside the country. After receiving an application number, the employer then submits the relevant application to the Ministry of Labor. It is important to remember that the Ministry of Labor carefully reviews applications against all established criteria, and the review can take up to 30 days. Foreigners have access to a wide range of employment opportunities that can provide legal status. Below, we will look at the most promising options and 2026 market benchmarks.

High-demand professions with good career prospects:

 
High-demand professions where obtaining a work permit can be more difficult:

 
High-demand professions with relatively low salaries:

Overall, relocating to Turkey is relatively straightforward for citizens of many countries. However, it is important to remember that a residence permit does not automatically give a foreign national the right to work. A separate work permit is generally required.

The largest number of vacancies can be found in manufacturing, retail, tourism, logistics, and the service sector. For foreign professionals, however, the most attractive opportunities are not necessarily the most numerous ones. Skilled positions — particularly in IT, engineering, technical fields, and management — offer a better combination of demand, salary, and opportunities for legal employment.

How Much Does It Cost to Live in Istanbul?

Finding a job is only part of the equation. The cost of everyday goods and services is just as important when planning a relocation.
Let's start with groceries. For our calculation, we use a standard shopping basket including milk, eggs, grains, cooking oil, vegetables, fruit, water, tea, and coffee.

If you shop at an affordable supermarket such as ŞOK, a similar basket will cost around $265–325 per month. Shopping at a more expensive supermarket such as Macrocenter can increase the monthly bill to approximately $390–540, based on the exchange rate as of September 6, 2026.

Dining out is another major expense, although prices vary considerably across Istanbul. The city is one of the world's major food destinations, with cafés and restaurants for virtually every budget and taste.

At a mid-range restaurant such as Gülhane Şark Sofrası, a meal for two typically costs around 2,000–3,000 Turkish lira, or approximately $40–60. This is neither the cheapest nor the most expensive option available in Istanbul: you can easily find a meal for two for $12–15, while dinner at a high-end restaurant can cost well over $100 or even $200.

Transportation is another important part of the monthly budget. One of the most cost-effective options for regular users of public transport is the Blue Card, which costs around $75 and includes 180 rides. For people planning to stay in Istanbul for an extended period, this can be the most economical option.

Renting a car is another possibility, although it is considerably more expensive. The total cost should include not only the rental itself but also fuel, parking, toll roads, and bridge fees. Taking all these expenses into account, a monthly car budget can reach approximately $870–1,360.

Healthcare should also be included in the calculation. At public healthcare facilities, most costs for people covered by SGK are covered by the insurance system, with an additional payment of approximately $0.4–2 per visit. At a private clinic, a standard doctor's consultation costs around $50–60 on average.

Taken together, these everyday expenses come to approximately $700 per month for one adult, excluding housing.

And this is where one of the biggest expenses comes in: rent.

Rental prices vary significantly depending on the district, so for our calculation, we will focus on two of Istanbul's most popular areas among foreign residents: Kadıköy and Beşiktaş.

Turkish apartments are typically described using a number such as 1+1 or 2+1. A 1+1 apartment has one bedroom and one living room, while a 2+1 has two bedrooms and one living room.

In Kadıköy, a 1+1 apartment typically costs around $550–1,050 per month, while a 2+1 ranges from approximately $950 to $1,700. A realistic rental budget is therefore around $750 for a 1+1 and $1,250 for a 2+1.

Beşiktaş is somewhat more expensive. A 1+1 apartment generally costs around $700–1,200, while a 2+1 ranges from approximately $1,300 to $1,900.

Once utilities and other housing-related costs are included, the overall budget rises significantly. For a couple without children, a realistic minimum budget starts at around $2,000 per month when renting a 1+1 in Kadıköy and can reach approximately $2,800 when renting a 2+1 in Beşiktaş.

At that point, a couple may be spending close to $3,000 a month simply on living expenses, without building any personal wealth or equity. This makes buying a home an option worth considering.

Instead of spending money on rent every month, a buyer can acquire both a home and a potentially valuable asset in one of the world's largest cities.

One promising project in this segment is Solis. It is a modern residential complex consisting of four blocks and 35 residences, with well-designed layouts, plenty of natural light, and spacious balconies.

For investors considering a move to Turkey, another potential advantage of purchasing property is the possibility of using a real estate investment to qualify for a residence permit, subject to the applicable requirements.

Overall, Turkey remains an increasingly attractive destination for both relocation and investment. Its mild climate, relatively affordable food, healthcare and infrastructure, as well as its well-developed service sector, make the country appealing to people looking for a new place to live.

Even in a major metropolis such as Istanbul, it is possible to maintain a good standard of living without spending a fortune. Housing is likely to be the single largest expense, particularly in sought-after districts such as Kadıköy and Beşiktaş.

For those planning to stay in Turkey for the long term, however, the country's real estate market offers another option: purchasing a home instead of renting one, allowing residents to turn one of their biggest monthly expenses into a potential long-term asset.